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The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show

The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show
Author: CITIUS MAG
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Track and field's biggest names on the track, in the coaching ranks and within the industry sit down and open up in-depth to share brilliant insights and vivid snapshots from their professional/personal accomplishments and experiences in the sport.
Hosted by CITIUS MAG founder Chris Chavez.
The show was named one of "The Best Running Podcasts" by Runner's World.
▶ Visit https://CITIUSMAG.com
▶ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitiusMag
▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/citiusmag
▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag
▶ Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag
Hosted by CITIUS MAG founder Chris Chavez.
The show was named one of "The Best Running Podcasts" by Runner's World.
▶ Visit https://CITIUSMAG.com
▶ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitiusMag
▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/citiusmag
▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag
▶ Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag
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Join Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, Anderson Emerole, Mitch Dyer and Paul Hof-Mahoney as they recap all the highlights from Day 1 at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.Among the top stories:🥇 Crouser Returns with Golden Comeback- Ryan Crouser (USA), world record-holder and three-time Olympic champion, won his third world title in the men’s shot put.- He threw 22.34m in his first competition in a year after an elbow injury.- Uziel Munoz (MEX) took silver with a national record of 21.97m.- Leonardo Fabbri (ITA) secured bronze (21.94m) over Tom Walsh (NZL) on countback.🥇 Chebet Dominates 10,000m Final- Beatrice Chebet (KEN) added a world title to her Olympic gold and world record in the women’s 10,000m.- Chebet kicked away late to win in 30:37.61.- Nadia Battocletti (ITA) claimed silver in an Italian record of 30:38.23.- Gudaf Tsegay (ETH), the defending champion, settled for bronze (30:39.65).🥇 USA Repeats in Mixed 4x400m Relay- USA retained their mixed 4x400m title in 3:08.80, equaling the championship record.- Femke Bol anchored The Netherlands to silver in 3:09.96, recovering from her infamous fall in Budapest 2023.- Belgium took bronze in 3:10.61.🚨 Heats and Early Round Action🏃♂️ Men’s 100m Heats- Gift Leotlela (RSA) topped the heats in 9.87 – 3rd-fastest ever in a global champs first round.Other heat winners:- Kishane Thompson (JAM) – 9.95 (easy effort)- Noah Lyles (USA) – 9.95- Kenny Bednarek – 10.01- Letsile Tebogo, Akani Simbine, Israel Okon also advanced.Women’s 100m Heats- Julien Alfred (LCA) eased to a 10.93 win.- Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA) and Daryll Neita (GBR) also dipped under 11.- Other qualifiers: Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.🏃♂️ 3000m Steeplechase Drama- Soufiane El Bakkali (MAR) cruised through.- Lamecha Girma and Geordie Beamish both fell but still qualified.- Kenneth Rooks (USA) missed out, finishing 11th in his heat.- Ryuji Miura (JPN) progressed to the final for the home crowd.🏃♀️ 1500m Heats- Faith Kipyegon (KEN), chasing a fourth world title, won her heat with ease.- Also advancing: Jess Hull, Nelly Chepchirchir, Freweyni Hailu.____________PRESENTED BY ASICSFor the third consecutive year, CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with ASICS for our global championship coverage. With their support, we’re able to bring you the best coverage of the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Support our sponsor and check out ASICS’s latest including the MegaBlast and SonicBlast. Shop at ASICS.com____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram + Eric Jenkins | _ericjenkins on Instagram + Anderson Emerole | @atkoeme on Instagram + Mitch Dyer | @straightatit_ on Instagram + Paul Hof-Mahoney | @phofmahoney on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
With the 2025 World Athletics Championships starting today, we're unpacking the biggest storylines, some of our top picks, and athletes to watch for in each track event. You can find the first part of our preview that dives into each track event from the first six days of the championship here.Be sure to subscribe to the CITIUS MAG Newsletter to get our daily recaps sent to your inbox and follow along our socials for lots more content throughout the World Championships!Time stamps:15:48 - Men’s 400m 20:35 - Women’s 400m 27:46 - Men’s 400m hurdles32:03 - Women’s 400m hurdles37:11 - Men’s 200m43:02 - Women’s 20045:40 - Women’s 5000m55:27 - Men’s 800m1:09:23 - Women’s 800m1:17:00 - Men’s 5000m1:27:51 - Relays____________Mentioned in this episode:Listen: 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS PREVIEW PODCAST: PART ISubscribe: CITIUS MAG NewsletterSave: Our full schedule in Eastern timeListen: TOKYO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS THROWS PREVIEW + PICKS (With Beau Throws)Watch: Sprint events preview via The Final Leg ____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Mac Fleet | @macfleet on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
With the 2025 World Athletics Championships starting on September 13th, we're unpacking the biggest storylines, some of our top picks, and athletes to watch for in each track event. We’ll be dropping the second part of our preview podcast with the rest of the events later this week. Be sure to subscribe to the CITIUS MAG Newsletter to get each of our written previews sent to your inbox and follow along our socials for lots more content to get you excited about Tokyo!Time stamps:21:46 - Women’s 10,000m33:37 - Women’s marathon48:58 - Men’s 10,000m1:03:55 - Women’s 100m1:07:17 - Men’s 100m1:14:14 - Men’s marathon1:18:09 - Men’s 3000m steeplechase1:22:08 - Women’s 100m hurdles1:25:50 - Women’s 1500m1:34:04 - Men’s 110m hurdles1:38:10 - Women’s 3000m steeplechase1:44:00 - Men’s 1500m ____________Mentioned in this episode:Subscribe: CITIUS MAG NewsletterSave: Our full schedule in Eastern timeListen: TOKYO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS THROWS PREVIEW + PICKS (With Beau Throws)Watch: Sprint events preview via The Final Leg ____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Mac Fleet | @macfleet on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
“It goes without saying that we want to go for at least a medal and maybe even the gold medal [at the World Championships]. We don't really speak about that; it's just about being at my best level in the final. I would call that our goal. Whatever result is connected to that depends on so many factors and that's why we don't really speak about, ‘We want to be first there,’ but more about the whole process.”Every so often, a young runner bursts onto the scene not just with talent, but with a presence that makes you believe you're watching the next big star take shape in real time. Niels Laros is that runner right now. At just 20 years old, the Dutch phenom has gone from a precocious prospect to Diamond League champion and now even being the name on everyone's lips as the favorite for the World Championships in the 1500m in Tokyo.He's rattling off consistent victories this summer, he put together a historic 800m and 5000m double at the European U23 Championships, he had an epic Bowerman mile victory over Yared Nuguse that we haven't forgotten, and most recently, a Diamond League title in Zurich where he unleashed yet another sizzling final 100m in 12.5 seconds to clock a 3:29.20 – a Dutch national record and personal best.Again and again, Laros has shown the defining quality of today's 1500m champions: the ability to close off a fast pace. His final 100m stacks up against anything that we've seen from Josh Kerr or Cole Hocker that they've produced in their gold medal runs.But Laros's story isn't just about times and trophies; it's about timing and arriving in peak form as the global landscape in the 1500m shifts. With Jakob Ingebrigtsen sidelined by injury and his rivals Cole Hocker and Josh Kerr searching for their best in 2025, Laros has positioned himself right now as the man to beat. We talk about his rise, the confidence that comes with winning big races, and what it means to carry the weight of expectations heading into Tokyo.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Niels Laros | @niels.laros on Instagram Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…- Paris Olympics men’s 1500m final- Zurich Diamond League men’s 1500m- Brussels Diamond League men’s 1500m- Prefontaine Classic Bowerman Mile____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSNEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
Chris Chavez and Mac Fleet break down the biggest winners and losers from the Diamond League final in Zurich. Some of the top highlights from the meet include…- Brittany Brown makes the most of her second shot at the World team by winning the 200m final in a season’s best 22.13.- Niels Laros solidifies his spot as the top dog in the 1500m with an undeniable victory over world leader Azeddine Habz, world junior record holder Phanuel Koech, and 2019 World champion Timothy Cheriyot, running 3:29.20 to also claim the Dutch national record by 0.03 seconds.- Audrey Werro thrills the home crowd in Switzerland with a huge win and national record in the 800m, as she and Georgia Hunter Bell both dip under 1:56 for the first time in their careers, with Werro holding onto the edge with 1:55.91 to 1:55.96.- Olympic champ Emmanuel Wanyonyi had to go to the well to stay ahead of Max Burgin on the homestretch of the 800m, but in the end he had just enough in the tank to take the win in 1:42.37 to Burgin’s 1:42.42.- World champ Noah Lyles and Olympic champ Letsile Tebogo battle for every step of the 200m, with Lyles just beating his rival by inches in the end, 19.74 to 19.76.- Olympic 100m champ Julien Alfred doesn’t look like she’s missed a step after withdrawing from two Diamond Leagues earlier this month with a hamstring issue, holding off a strong challenge from Tia Clayton to take the title in 10.76.____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Mac Fleet | @macfleet on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Watch: Zurich Diamond League Final InterviewsListen: Nikki Hiltz On Their Career-Defining Season To Repeat As National Champion, Winning A Diamond League, And Heading To The World Championships As A Medal ThreatListen: Record-Breaking 16-Year-Old Cooper Lutkenhaus On His Decision To Turn Professional & Sign With NikeListen: Kenneth Rooks On His “Rollercoaster” 2025 Season And His Hopes For The World Championships In Tokyo____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
“It’s holding onto the fact that truly anything can happen. That's why I'm a fan of the sport. I love watching upsets happen. I love watching dragons get slayed and things like that. It's exciting! I think no matter what, I'm just going in to try to run a 1500 that I'm proud of and let the outcome be the outcome. That's not the focus; the focus is just doing the thing I love.”Three straight U.S. outdoor titles, a Diamond League victory, and a season that has firmly established Nikki Hiltz as America’s standard-bearer in the 1500m.Earlier this month at Hayward Field, they did exactly what we’ve come to expect: poised in the pack, patient when the laps slowed, and then — with 100 meters to go — devastating to the competition. A 58-second last lap sealed a third consecutive national title and another ticket to the global stage.If we go beyond the results on the track, this year brought about quite a bit of change. Nikki underwent contract talks to start the year and stuck with Lululemon. They switched up their coaching setup and started working with Juli Benson. All of this while privately recovering from top surgery, which they revealed just recently. Many of these things would seed doubt in an athlete, but Nikki has not skipped a beat.Most recently, the Brussels Diamond League proved that — another perfectly timed kick down the final straight to reel in Australia’s Linden Hall and score their first-ever Diamond League win in 3:55.94, making history as the first American in seven years to win a 1500m on that stage.Now, Hiltz heads to Tokyo as more than a national champion. I firmly believe they’re a medal contender. Consistent, battle-tested, and dangerous when the race is decided late.We talk about the evolution behind this season, the mental battles of change and competition, and how Hiltz has grown into thinking about themselves as not just one of America’s best, but one of the world’s.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Nikki Hiltz | @nikkihiltz on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Listen: Nikki Hiltz’s 2025 USA Track & Field Outdoor National Championships 1500m Recap - Ali on the Run Show____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia give an event-by-event preview of the Diamond League Final in Zurich set for August 27-28. They also recap the top performances, highlights, and biggest track news from the weekend. We'll be back to unpack all the action in Zurich on Thursday after the meet wraps up.____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preetmajithia on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Read: Record-Breaking 16-Year-Old Cooper Lutkenhaus Goes Pro, Signs With Nike Ahead of World ChampionshipsSubscribe: CITIUS MAG Newsletter Listen: The Paulie Throws Podcast____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
Cooper Lutkenhaus, the 16-year-old high school star who shattered his own U.S. 800m high school record and broke the 800m U18 world record with a 1:42.27 runner-up finish at last month’s U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships, has opted to forego all of his remaining high school and collegiate eligibility to turn professional and sign a contract with Nike. The decision comes before he is set to race the 800m at the World Championships in Tokyo next month and makes history as the youngest American ever to represent the U.S. at a World Championship.“I’m just super excited and blessed for the opportunity,” Lutkenhaus tells CITIUS MAG. “To be able to run professionally at such a young age is not very common, so to be represented by the best brand is very exciting.”Lutkenhaus will remain enrolled at Northwest High School in Texas, where he’s beginning his junior year. He is represented by Ray Flynn and Flynn Sports, who have also represented top high school stars over the past 30 years, including Alan Webb and Drew Hunter. He will continue being coached by Northwest head cross country and track coach Chris Capeu. Classes started on Aug. 13th.Lutkenhaus is the fourth-fastest American in U.S. history at 800m (behind American record holder Bryce Hoppel, 2019 World champion, and 2025 U.S. champion Donavan Brazier and 2025 World Indoor champion Josh Hoey) and No. 18 on the World all-time list. He is the sixth-fastest man in the world in 2025.Listen to previous episodes here:Cooper Lutkenhaus Interview: https://apple.co/4oRrS9f | SpotifyChris Capeau Interview: https://apple.co/4m3BnzH | SpotifyRead our full news story here: https://citiusmag.com/articles/cooper-lutkenhaus-signs-nike-contract-turns-professional-before-world-championships-2025SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
"Going into Tokyo, as long as I get back to those basic things that helped me be successful in the past, I'm going to be just fine. I can focus on the process, get back to running my race, focus on what I need to do each lap in different circumstances and scenarios, have fun, and not put too much pressure on myself." My guest for today's episode is Olympic silver medalist Kenneth Rooks. However, he hasn't quite looked like that this entire season. It left many wondering if last year's Olympic silver medalists had slipped from his form. But back at Hayward Field just a couple weeks ago in his element, Rooks gave the answer. He was calm through the opening kilometers of the U.S. Championship final, unhurried as the laps ticked by. He moved up lap after lap until he was finally leading – and he never gave that lead back.A 59-second last lap sealed his third straight U.S. Championship title in 8:26.56, fending off his training partner Dan Michalski and veteran Bernard Keter. Rooks officially punched his ticket to Worlds and then a couple weeks later helped Michalski get the standard to secure his own berth to the World Championships in Tokyo.It was a vintage Kenneth Rooks race: patient, poised, and relentless when it mattered most. Now the BYU alum returns to the global stage in Tokyo with the big question hanging in the air: can he summon that magic again?We talk about bouncing back from some disappointing performances, how the results make a bit more sense when you look at the bigger picture, managing the weight of expectations, and how he's looking to summon that same grit again in Tokyo.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Kenneth Rooks | @kenneth_rooks on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Watch: 2025 U.S. Championships Men’s 3000m steeplechase final____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
“The overarching message that I think Sean has with this book is that whatever ‘it’ is, go for it. If this is your thing and you give it all you’ve got and don’t limit yourself to what’s been done and what’s been possible, the sky’s the limit on what you can do.” Today's guest is someone whose work has shaped how we understand running at its most human level through writing about running. Chris Lear is the author of Running with the Buffalos, a book that for many is the gold standard of distance running storytelling.Two decades ago, Chris embedded himself with the University of Colorado's cross country team during one of its most dramatic seasons, and what turned out was a story of triumph, tragedy, and relentless pursuit that became a cult classic for runners everywhere. Now Chris is back with one of the most anticipated running books: Beyond Fast - the story of coach Sean Brosnan. It's written with Sean Brosnan and NBC News' Andrew Greif.Brosnan's journey is an unlikely one from BMX tracks on Long Island to the world of collegiate running and eventually to Newbury Park High School, where he transformed a struggling program into a dynasty. During his six years there, Brosnan didn't just build champions; he built what many believe was the greatest high school cross country team of all time.His impact went beyond workouts and race results; he created a culture that challenged young athletes to push past their limits and reimagine what was possible. In this conversation, we talk with Chris about the stories behind Beyond Fast and how a coach with a renegade spirit changed the sport of high school distance running.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Chris LearProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Pre-order: Beyond Fast: How a Renegade Coach and His Unlikely High School Team Revolutionized Distance RunningOrder: Running with the Buffaloes: A Season Inside With Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, And The University Of Colorado Men's Cross Country Team____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia are back to dive into all of today's action from the Lausanne Diamond League as well as recent doping news in the track and field world.Some of the biggest highlights from Lausanne include...- After a year off racing, Keely Hodgkinson won her second Diamond League in five days, this time setting a 1:55.69 meet record.- Josh Hoey once again continued to surprise, this time with a huge finish to win the 800m over Olympic champ Emmanuel Wanyonyi in 1:42.82.- Oblique Seville won a soaking-wet 100m in 9.87, with Noah Lyles finishing second in his second-straight Diamond League in 10.02 just ahead of Ackeem Blake (also 10.02).- In her first race since signing her On NIL deal, NCAA champ Doris Lemngole ran away with the steeplechase win in a torrential downpour, clocking a 9:16.36 worth 8 points in the league standings to give herself a good shot at qualifying for the DL final with only one race.____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preetmajithia on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia dive into the biggest moments from the Silesia Diamond League, recap the NACAC Championships, break down more changes in world rankings, and lots more.Some of the top performances from Silesia include…- In her first 800m in over a year, Olympic champ Keely Hodgkinson picked up right where she left off, clocking a world-leading 1:54.74 to win by nearly two full seconds.- Faith Kipyegon took a strong crack at the highly-suspect world record in the 3000m, and while she fell just short of Wang Junxia’s 1993 mark of 8:06.11, her 8:07.04 run was the second fastest performance in history.-Yared Nuguse won the 1500m in 3:33.19, claiming his fourth Diamond League 1500m victory and solidifying his spot in the final where he’ll have a shot at a wild card entry to Worlds.-Kishane Thompson turned the tables on Noah Lyles in their first 100m matchup since the Paris Olympic final, leaning at the line to equal the 9.87 meet record, just ahead of Lyles’s 9.90 in second. U.S. champ Kenny Bednarek took third in 9.96.-Proving her 10.65 at USAs was no fluke, Melissa Jefferson equaled the meet record with a commanding 10.66 100m victory over the likes of Tia Clayton (10.82) and Marie Ta Lou-Smith (10.87).-After a two-month break from the racing circuit, Karsten Warholm returned to action in STUNNING form, clocking a 46.28 Diamond League record to win the 400m hurdles in the third fastest mark of all time.Stay tuned for our Lausanne Diamond League recap + Brussels Diamond League preview on Wednesday!____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preetmajithia on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Watch: Kenny Bednarek Says He And Noah Lyles Are All Good After USAs Staredown And ShoveWatch: Silesia Diamond League interviewsListen: Emily Mackay On Qualifying For The World Championships, The Hunger For More And The Decision To Leave Team New Balance BostonListen: Jonah Koech On The Mindset, Belief To Win The U.S. 1500m Title + Previewing The 1500m In Tokyo____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
“It was just a matter of showing up and putting out whatever I had that day – and fair enough, that was my day! I don’t know how it happened. I didn’t expect to win. Nobody knew I was there, nobody was thinking about me. Even after the Rabat [Diamond League], I was shocked by myself!”A few months ago, Jonah Koech wasn't even supposed to be in the race. His Diamond League debut was meant to be an 800m in Rabat until a late field change bumped him out. The backup plan was to race the 1500m, an event where his personal best was 3:37.But that night in Morocco, Koech ran the race of his life, moving from 13th to 1st over the final lap, dropping a six second personal best of 3:31 and delivering one of the most improbable victories in Diamond League history. And if Rabat was the warning shot, then Eugene was the exclamation point at the U.S. Championships in just his seventh career 1500m as a pro.Koech closed in 12.49 seconds for the final 100m, nearly all of it in lane two, to win in a U.S. championship record of 3:30.17. He finished ahead of Ethan Strand and Olympic champion Cole Hocker. That's your team for the World Championships. Yared Nuguse missed the team, Hobbs Kessler missed the team. Jonah Koech did not. It's already been a winding road to get to this point, and in this episode, we talk all about it from growing up in Kenya, training alongside David Rudisha, the stops at UTEP and Texas Tech to U.S. citizenship through the Army service, injuries, a late career reinvention, and now heading to the world championships in the 1500m as a legit threat.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Jonah Koech | @jonah_koech on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Watch: USATF Championships men’s 1500m final____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
“This year, with all the challenges and setbacks, gave me a lot of confidence in that I was still able to come out and deliver and make this team. I have a lot of confidence from experience and just knowing that no matter the circumstances, I'm able to stay focused and get the job done; just focus on myself and what I need to do to be the best runner I can be. That’s where I draw my confidence from.”My guest for today's episode is Emily Mackay. In the 1500m, the margin between heartbreak and a ticket to the World Championships can be a lean, a lunge, or a fraction of a second. For Emily, it was the last 100m at Hayward Field, stride for stride with her former training partner Heather McLean, both fighting for the third and final spot to Tokyo. Mackay pulled ahead in that final stretch and stopped the clock at 4:04.38 for third place behind Nikki Hiltz and Sinclaire Johnson and secured her place on Team USA for Tokyo.It's been less than a year since Mackay qualified for her first Olympics — a breakout 2024 season that saw her win World Indoor bronze in Glasgow in the 1500. She went on to run 3:55 to move to #3 all time among Americans and stood on the podium at the U.S. Olympic trials. She also reached the semifinal of the 1500m at the Paris Olympics, but in the months since, She's navigated change and injury.She parted ways with Team New Balance Boston's training group during the outdoor season and is now coached by Pete Julian. She’s still sponsored by New Balance while living in Boulder, Colorado. In this episode, we talk about the U.S. championships, the transition between training groups, and the confidence it takes to keep climbing in one of the most competitive eras of American distance running.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Emily Mackay | @emily_mac7 on Instagram Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Watch: USATF Championships women’s 1500m final____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia unpack the top highlights from the Gyulai István Memorial in Budapest earlier today, from Oordegem, Belgium on Saturday, and more of the biggest shakeups in rankings that took place over the weekend. We preview everything you need to know about the Silesia Diamond League, including the top athletes competing, matchups to follow, and records to watch for. We also dive into the latest drama in the track and field world, break down the qualification process for the World Championships, explain how the Diamond League wild card process works, and lots more.____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preetmajithia on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Subscribe: Sign up for NordVPN using our affiliate link hereSubscribe: CITIUS MAG Newsletter Listen: The Paulie Throws Podcast____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
“Every year the top three resets. It doesn’t matter what you did the previous year. If you need any more evidence than this 1500 final, then I don’t know what to tell you. Everything is so cutthroat. Just getting on that top three was a big relief. I know that the big peak is coming in September, so I can live with this for now. Now I know where I’m at exactly.”My guest for today’s episode is Cole Hocker, who is no stranger to championship moments. But even Olympic champions can go through droughts. Since winning gold in Paris last summer, Hocker hadn’t claimed a single 1500 or mile final — 0-for-8 — in a year that’s tested his patience, his poise, and his place in one of the most ruthless eras of middle-distance running.But in 2025, Hocker has also been focused on something new in taking on the 5000m. On Sunday, in the biggest 5K win of his career, he stormed down the Hayward Field homestretch to take the U.S. title in 13:26.45 — closing in 51.76 for the last lap, 25.69 for the final 200, and outkicking Olympic bronze medalist Grant Fisher and U.S. 10,000 champ Nico Young to punch his ticket to the World Championships in Tokyo.It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t record-breaking. It was tactical execution — Hocker biding his time, slipping to fifth with 200 to go, and trusting that if the race came down to pure speed, he’d have the last word. And he did.With that win, the double dream is alive: Hocker will line up in both the 1500 and the 5000 at Worlds — just as he set out to do at the start of the year. He’s stronger than last season, more confident than ever, and ready to see if that closing gear can stand up to the world’s best in Tokyo.We talk about what it took to win this one, the mental discipline to ride out the noise of a long season while also focusing on the double, and why patience—even for an Olympic champion—combined with his supreme confidence makes him one of the most dangerous racers in the world.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Cole Hocker | @colehocker on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Watch: USATF Championships men’s 5000m finalWatch: USATF Championships men's 1500m final____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
“I thought I had missed my moment last year. I didn’t want that to define me, but I didn’t want to put way too much pressure on this year, because it wasn’t going to make up for last year. It was really hard. But in the last month, I said, ‘We’re going to go for it. We’re going to put our ego to the side and see what happens.’”Sage Hurta-Klecker knows heartbreak. In her first U.S. Championships in 2021, she fell and broke her wrist. In 2023, she finished a painful fourth in the 800m, just one spot shy of making the team. Last year, she was fifth after getting tangled in the ripple effects of a fall by Athing Mu. Even indoors this year, she was again one place away from qualifying for a world championship team.But this past weekend at Hayward Field, Hurta-Klecker rewrote the script. Charging down the final straight in the women's 800, she leaned hard for the finish line and went down hard after crossing it. She stopped the clock at 1:59.48 to edge out 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials champion Nia Akins by just four hundredth of a second.This time, the fall didn't mean heartbreak; it meant joy, it meant redemption, and finally, it meant her first U.S. team and a ticket to the World Championships. “Don't let your narrative of the past limit your future,” she wrote afterward on Instagram. Sage did not, and now she's heading to Tokyo. We talk all about that race, the shortcomings along the way, and the overwhelming sense of relief to finally make a team.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Sage Hurta-Klecker | @hurtasage on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Watch: USATF Championships Women’s 800m final____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
“The other part is that he loves it. He doesn’t miss. A ton of people are—to be cliche—talented, but they don’t do the things to maximize their talent. So how is he there? Because he’s doing everything to at least give him the chance to maximize his talent. Do we know it’s going to be 1:42? No, we don’t know that. We have no clue what it is… He’s doing the things it takes to see how good he can be—and he loves finding out what that looks like.”My guest for today's episode is Chris Capeau, the coach behind one of the most remarkable performances in American track history. As the head distance coach at Northwest High School in Texas, Capeau found success with his middle distance programs. Even before that at other Texas high schools, he was a bit of a journeyman in coaching at various universities and learning from other accomplished coaches in the sport.But this summer, the spotlight found him after 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus stunned the track world with a 1:42.27 in the men's 800m at the U.S. Championships. That time was a three second PR, a new U18 world record, the fastest time ever run by a high schooler, and the fourth fastest time by an American ever. More than that, it earned Lutkenhaus a spot on Team USA for the World Championships in Tokyo, making him the youngest man in history to compete at a global outdoor championships. It was a moment that defied logic, but it didn't happen by accident.Capeau has been building upon a strong foundation established by Cooper's parents. A former NAIA marathon standout and collegiate coach with deep experience in building programs, Capeau brings a thoughtful athlete-centered approach that prioritizes trust, patience, and long term development. That philosophy has now helped produce a once in a generation talent and has rewritten what we thought was possible for high school middle distance running.This conversation pairs well with our previous episode with Cooper. You can find it here. In this one, we try to make even more sense of the performance by speaking to the man who worked on making it happen day in and day out._____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Coach Chris CapeauProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Listen: Cooper Lutkenhaus Breaks Down His 1:42.27 800m At 16 Years Old To Make History, Qualifies For The 2025 World Championships + Goals For TokyoWatch: USATF Championships Men’s 800m final_____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
“With 200 to go, I felt really strong. I wasn’t really burning yet. With about 120 to go coming off the curve, I saw everybody right there. I was like, ‘I feel amazing!’ The crowd all stood up and it was super electric. I was like, ‘I have a shot now.’”My guest for today's episode is Cooper Lutkenhaus, the 16-year-old Texan who just ran one of the most astonishing races in American track and field history at the U.S. Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Cooper placed second in the men's 800m in 1:42.27 — a U18 world record, a three second personal best, and the fourth fastest time ever run by an American. He finished just behind Donovan Brazier, the former world champion who made his own remarkable comeback. Cooper was in 7th place with 150m to go. He stayed calm, executed his race plan, and closed in a blistering 12.48 seconds over the final 100m, surging into second and nearly catching Donovan Brazier at the finish line. This was a performance that defied age, experience, and expectations, and announced Cooper as the future of American middle distance running.In this episode, we get into it and try to answer the main question: how did this happen and who is Cooper? It wasn't just a great race for a high schooler; it was a great race, period._____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Cooper Lutkenhaus | @cooper.lutkenhaus on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramMentioned in this episode…Watch: USATF Championships Men’s 800m final_____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
“The biggest mindset coming off of Paris was that because I had made the biggest final there is, it was a message to me that no matter who’s on the track, you deserve a lane. I belong here and I’ve proven myself. That message was definitely something that I carried into my senior year: just knowing that I belong here. That was very powerful for me.”My guest for today's episode is Savannah Sutherland, a 21 year old Canadian hurdler who just made history in more ways than one, hailing from Borden, Saskatchewan. Savannah was named a finalist for the Bowerman, which is the highest honor in NCAA track and field, awarded annually to the most outstanding collegiate athletes in the sport.She's the first Canadian female track athlete to ever reach the finalist status. I recently made an appearance on the CBC's Trackside show where I revealed that as a Bowerman voter, I already casted my vote. Savannah was ranked #1 for me.She put together a jaw-dropping season at Michigan. She didn't just win her second NCAA title in the 400m hurdles, but she obliterated the NCAA record too with a time of 52.46 seconds, becoming the second woman in NCAA history to go under 53 seconds. The record that she broke previously belonged to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.Savannah broke her own Canadian record, climbed to the 9th fastest of all time, and last year she even took 7th place in the Olympic final in Paris. In this episode, we chat about how she got so good at this event, her hopes and expectations for this summer's World Championships in Tokyo, and so much more.Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Savannah Sutherland | @sav.sutherland on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on InstagramSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.
Waldo, how did he forget "Waldo"?
awesome podcast!
lol then she goes and then runs an American Record